A Guide to Weed Control for Lawns

Weed control for lawns in Tennessee requires a mix of preventive measures and active management due to the state’s warm and humid climate. As an expert in lawn care, Dempster Brothers Lawn Care & Landscaping of Knoxville provides recommendations for proper weed control in Tennessee.

Proper Lawn Maintenan

• Mowing Height: Keep grass at the proper height. For cool-season grasses like fescue, mow at around 3-4 inches. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, aim for 1-2 inches. Taller grass shades the soil and prevents weed seeds from germinating.
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Overwatering can lead to shallow roots and promote weed growth.
• Fertilization: Use the right amount of fertilizer at the correct times of the year. Over-fertilizing can lead to weed growth, while under-fertilizing weakens the grass, making it susceptible to weeds.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

• Applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring (before soil temperatures reach 55°F) helps prevent common weeds like crabgrass and other annual grasses from germinating.
• A second application in late summer can help control weeds that germinate in the fall, like winter annuals.

Post-Emergent Herbicides

• Use post-emergent herbicides to treat existing weeds. Selective herbicides target specific weed types (like broadleaf weeds or grassy weeds) without harming the lawn. Non-selective herbicides should only be used for spot treatments in non-lawn areas. You can find recommendations for weed killers (Our 6 Best Weed Killer Picks (2024) – This Old House) online, regardless of your needs or preferences.

Hand-Pulling & Spot Treatment

• Hand-pulling is effective for small areas or isolated weeds. It’s best done after rain when the soil is soft, allowing you to remove the root system.
• Spot-treat persistent weeds with a non-selective herbicide, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding grass.

Aeration

• Aerating your lawn in the fall or spring helps improve soil compaction, allowing better water and nutrient penetration. It also makes the grass healthier, reducing the chances of weed invasion.

Mulching

• For areas around trees, flower beds, or garden edges, using mulch can suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight. Organic mulches also improve soil health over time.

Reseeding Bare Patches

• Bare spots in the lawn are prime locations for weeds to grow. Reseed these areas to promote thick, healthy grass, which will crowd out weeds.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Implement a holistic approach to pest and weed control. This involves monitoring your lawn regularly, using cultural, biological, and chemical methods only when necessary to reduce weed pressure.

Combining these methods allows you to maintain a healthy lawn and effectively minimize weed growth in Tennessee’s climate. Weed control is not easy or fun, but the lawn care professionals at Dempster Brothers are experts at helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful lawn. Contact Dempster Brothers at (865) 264-8925 to discuss your lawn care needs.